Welcome to our beginner's guide on how to determine your natural hair type. Many of us have been relaxing our hair for so long that we forget what our natural hair texture is. Understanding your hair type is crucial in selecting the right products and styling techniques. In this article, we'll break down the steps on how to determine your natural hair type, provide tips and tricks, and answer frequently asked questions.
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Wash Your Hair
- Step 2: Observe Your Hair's Pattern
- Step 3: Determine Your Hair's Texture
- Tips and Tricks
- FAQs
- Hair Care for Your Natural Hair Type
Step 1: Wash Your Hair
The first step in determining your natural hair type is to start with a clean slate. Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Avoid products that contain sulfates and silicones as these can strip your hair of its natural oils.
Step 2: Observe Your Hair's Pattern
After washing your hair, let it air dry or use a t-shirt to remove excess water. Do not comb or brush your hair yet as this can alter your hair's natural pattern. Observe your hair's pattern and determine if it's straight, wavy, curly, or coily. Here's a breakdown of each hair pattern:
Straight Hair
Straight hair has no curl or wave pattern. It can be fine, medium, or thick in texture. Straight hair is prone to oiliness and can appear flat and lifeless without the right styling techniques.
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair has a slight curl pattern that forms an "S" shape. It can be fine or thick in texture. Wavy hair can appear frizzy without the right products and can be prone to dryness.
Curly Hair
Curly hair has a distinct curl pattern that forms a ringlet. It can be fine or thick in texture. Curly hair is prone to dryness and can appear dull without the right products and styling techniques.
Coily Hair
Coily hair has a tight curl pattern that forms a coil or spring shape. It can be fine or thick in texture. Coily hair is prone to dryness and can appear frizzy without the right products and styling techniques.
Step 3: Determine Your Hair's Texture
Once you've determined your hair's pattern, the next step is to determine your hair's texture. Hair texture refers to the thickness or diameter of each hair strand. Here are the three types of hair texture:
Fine Hair
Fine hair has a small diameter and can appear limp without the right products and styling techniques. Fine hair is prone to breakage and can be easily weighed down with heavy products.
Medium Hair
Medium hair has a medium diameter and is the most common hair type. It's versatile and can hold different hairstyles. Medium hair is less prone to breakage than fine hair but can still be weighed down with heavy products.
Thick Hair
Thick hair has a large diameter and can appear coarse or frizzy without the right products and styling techniques. Thick hair is prone to dryness and can be difficult to manage if not properly moisturized.
Tips and Tricks
- Experiment with different products and styling techniques to find what works best for your hair type.
- Avoid using heat tools frequently as this can damage your hair and alter your hair's natural pattern.
- Protect your hair at night by sleeping on a satin pillowcase or using a satin bonnet.
- Trim your hair regularly to prevent split ends and maintain healthy hair.
FAQs
What if my hair has multiple curl patterns?
It's common for hair to have multiple curl patterns. Determine the dominant curl pattern and go from there.
Can my hair type change over time?
Yes, your hair type can change over time due to hormonal changes, age, and styling techniques.
How often should I wash my hair?
It depends on your hair type and lifestyle. Generally, washing your hair once or twice a week is recommended.
Hair Care for Your Natural Hair Type
Now that you've determined your natural hair type, it's important to take care of it properly. Here are some general tips for each hair type:
Straight Hair
- Use lightweight products to avoid weighing down your hair.
- Avoid using heavy oils and butters as these can make your hair appear greasy.
- Use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove buildup.
Wavy Hair
- Use a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair moisturized.
- Avoid brushing your hair when it's dry as this can cause frizz.
- Use a diffuser when blow-drying your hair to enhance your natural wave pattern.
Curly Hair
- Use a deep conditioner once a week to keep your hair moisturized.
- Avoid using products that contain alcohol as this can dry out your hair.
- Use a microfiber towel or t-shirt to dry your hair to avoid frizz.
Coily Hair
- Use a heavy cream or butter to keep your hair moisturized.
- Detangle your hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to avoid breakage.
- Avoid using heat tools as this can damage your hair.
Remember, understanding your natural hair type is the first step in achieving healthy and beautiful hair. With the right products and styling techniques, you can embrace your natural hair texture and enhance your natural beauty.
